Hands who help others get hand for their deeds
Posted on Sunday, May 4, 2008
BELLA VISTA — Volunteers for Helping Hands Inc. took the night off April 22 to help themselves to a meal and some awards at Bella Vista Presbyterian Church, one of the organization’s 26 member churches in Benton County.
Volunteers from 14 to 97 were recognized for their work in the Helping Hands Thrift Store, which supports the group’s mission of assisting the needy in Benton County.
Lifetime Service Awards were given to Harold Fitch, Bruce Carraras and Kay and Jerry Vnuk. A posthumous lifetime service award was given to Harold Ayres. The Vnuks were also honored for 20 years of service. Mary Lou and Chuck Zulke were recognized for 10 years of service, and Marianne Goga’s 15 years were acknowledged.
Five-year volunteers honored were Helping Hands executive board secretary Barbara Pudas, Shirley and David Corbett, Dorothy Day, Evelyn Long, Mary Cage, Peg Wages and Wanda Carlton.
Jan Patterson was recognized for 26 years of service (her 25-year milestone was somehow overlooked last year, said executive director Bill Crawford. )
Guest speaker Kerry Jensen, director of membership services at the Bentonville / Bella Vista Chamber of Commerce, commended the volunteers for making sure the needy remain warm, dry and fed.
“[The volunteers ] are faithful beyond description,” said Helping Hands executive board vice president Sharon Benton.
Gift baskets filled with food, beverages and spa and entertainment items were given as door prizes. Vocal entertainment was provided by Martha Smith.
Guests dined on a buffet of salad, ham, carrots, potatoes, rolls and cheesecake provided by Wesner’s Grill in Rogers.
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